The number of internet searches for ‘private health insurance’ has increased by 83 per cent over the past three years.
The data, which relates to internet search in the UK, shows that around 14,800 people searched online for ‘private health insurance’ in June this year — compared with just 8,100 people in June 2021.
Similarly, searches for ‘health insurance’ have increased by 50 per cent over this period, from 12,100 in June 2021 to 18,100 in June 2024.
This data from google trends was analysed by advisers, Clarity Health Insurance, which says ongoing problems with the NHS is prompting people to research private options. It says there has also been an uptick in searches for a range of other healthcare-related terms, including ‘compare health insurance’ (up 50 per cent), ‘private healthcare’ (up 50 per cent), and ‘how much is health insurance’ (up 122 per cent).
Meanwhile, the term ‘NHS waiting times’ has increased by 177 per cent, suggesting concerns around the time it takes to be diagnosed and treated are rising.
The information comes as latest industry data shows that private medical insurance admissions are at the highest level ever – with 13,000 more insured admissions in the last quarter of 2023 than in the same period in 2022 — a 9 per cent increase overall.
Separate figures also show an increased demand for workplace healthcare solutions, be it private medical insurance or cash plans. Both of these product lines also report higher claims in recent years.
Clarity Health Insurance managing director Kyle Godden says: “With the pressures on the NHS we’ve seen a steady rise in demand for PMI over the last three years to mirror this trend.
“We are however seeing a trend of clients with pre-existing conditions enquiring for PMI only to struggle to cover those conditions. As demand for PMI grows, particularly among newer groups in society, more must be done to educate people about how policies work and advisers play a crucial role in helping them navigate the complex market.”